10.26.2009

Mysticism in the Sri Chakra Puja

Mysticism is an ocean of unexplainable phenomenon... well what can I say about it, except that the ingredients are different, the rules are different, the results are different and the acceptance of it makes the world look very different.

Rahasya is a beautiful word. It describes the law of the divine system of the Gods, and the inner meaning and powers and the benefits there of. The power of the Sri Chakra is one such rahasya. Puja is a beautiful system which defines the rules of adoration with the elements of sound, divine geometry that is interwoven with the very being of the worshiper. The art of Yantra Puja, brings a balance between the energies that surround the outer world around the devotee and that of the inner world within them.

Once the association of the devotee starts with the Sri Chakra, the central Bindu of the Yantra maps with the center of the devotee's own inner being. The center of the Universe that are centered around this mandala represent the energies of the psycho physical constitution of the devotee concentrated within. This is the journey of all the forces that are currently diffused to be concentrated towards the center of the being. From here on, with little or no attachment they begin their journey to the center of their own universe. This universe is defined by the same concept that pronounces the journey one makes from the entrance of the temple right up to its main sanctum in its structure, or the movement from the outskirts of a great ancient kingdom to its inner palaces or from the outside world of Maya to the inner realm that lies dormant within oneself.

In this realm, two things play a strong role, that of consciousness and that of energy, both of which are available to the devotee in abundance. Consciousness is the "Shiva" element within the mind of the devotee while energy is the "Shakti" element. When a devotee settles down to Yantra Puja, and gets into the state of divine dialog with the Sri Chakra, they begin to give up the external world around them and start to drift towards the realm of the inside. From here on, what appears to the outside world as "peace of mind" actually is the starting of a whole new life that is defined by the very Yantra that they worship, within which divinity has been brought to reside.

The Yantra is the very nature of the worshiper and breathes life giving energy into the realm of the worshiper thereby bringing harmony and wealth and prosperity as perceived by the outer world. But in the mind of the devotee what matters is the mysterious world of which they have now become a part. Here the rules are different. There is no transaction, there is just divine love, faith, surrender, cause and effect. Here there are just states to be in and each state has its own characteristics. Here society and order have no room. This is the inner realm of the being, of the self where only divine reality matters.

In this world, the Yantra becomes and active player, the life giving source of all energy and with every passing worship it makes the devotee stronger in their zest for life and for death. Life and death appear like two parts of the same reality, life being one state that transits into another that is death. The mind experiences a lot more magic, unexplained and yet spectacular. The signs are all over the devotee's mind. Its a moment of awakening when the devotee realizes that ancient symbolism was not really a creation of man's imagination, it was a gift of the Gods that got left behind as visual proof, the source and logic of which is still being rediscovered. In this state Lord Shiva and Goddess Tripura Sundari are more real that the people who are part of one's external reality.

The Sri Chakra begins to breathe life into the devotee's world. The gates to heaven open in all the four cardinal directions, the 16 petals of time bloom and all the stars begin to let go their clutches, their influence on the devotee's life. The great guardians open their inner gates and the attendant yoginis come alive to dance and worship the great goddess within. The inner world awakens, each divine being in their respective Koshas, display the extravaganza of their nature, waking up this inner world, of beauty and divinity to the devotee. This is the divine realm, of silence and pure sound, of light and powerful energy that awaken within the physical mass of the human mind. At last, the inner world comes into divine reality, the four great pillars of life, of direction signified by Brahma[North East], Vishnu [South East], Rudra [South West] and Isana [North West].

This journey is powerful, different and once its started there is no going back. In the language of spiritualism this is termed as realization, an irreversible process within the mind. At the center of this experience is the Anugraha form of the Goddess, that of Sadashiva and Kameshwari represented by the color white and that of color red. This is believed to be at the peak of Mount Meru, at the sacred uppermost peak within the human being at the Sahasrara Chakra. This world is illumined by the subtle beauty of the crescent moon, by the brilliance of the sun and by the burning desire of agni within the mind of the devotee. This is divine union a smaller representation of which in the outer world is the miracle of child birth in our reality.

To the divine parent I prayWho reside on my foreWho awaken the crescent moon of my beingWho are at the epicenter of my BinduWho breathe life into meAnd produce the sacred sounds of divine life at the NadaI pray to you, O divine parent,Bless me with a lifeComplete with my earthly duties fulfilledAnd lead me back homeTo the divine realm of your worldIn this hope I continue to liveTo catch a glimpse of theeFrom within the limits of my finite self.

40 comments:

The ultimate goal of 'meditation' or 'puja' is to eventually reach the centre of the universe, that is, 'Nadbindu', a point source of infinite energy ('Vishnu', who sleeps in the middle of the 'milky ocean' on a bed formed by the celestial serpent Anant or Sheshnag) despite the apparent agitation in the external world/ universe...which could be achieved anywhere and without any external tool even...

You can find the centre of the universe in the cave of your own heart, JC, for their lives the unborn One, Tat, whose the Brahman, the creative principle, who is the Atman, which is the universal Soui, which is the Purusha, the cosmiic person and primal offering. That's Ishwara.

A Yantra is an powerful instrument to be used in raja-yoga to reach from concentration via meditation to Samadhi, complete unification with the Supreme Deity within by merging on.

That three-dimensional you showed us in this article yours is a very beautiful one. Can you please tell us something more, Kavitha, about the four marks in the four corner of this object? According to my first intuition they stands for the four elements earth, water, fire, air, and the top stands for akasha (ether, space, emptiness). But after your suggestion about the four directions (SW, SE, NW & NE) they could someting else too, I realize very well.

Bart: 'I' have earlier also elsewhere discussed how the 'Hindu belief' indicates the 'present' as projection of the 'past'...and therefore 'you' and 'me' and the entire universe is imaginary, for the real creator is related with zero time and space and is thus called 'Nadbindu', a point source of energy. It is therefore believed that it is seeking the 'self' within a multi faceted personality, as 'we' also appear to be and therefore called 'image of God' by ancient Christians, and model of the universe by ancient 'Hindus'...

Of course, Human life being a mystery, to predict the likely behaviour of an individual from 'birth' to 'death', that is, during apparent temporary existence on earth, many paths have apparently been tried by the ancients...and also many hypotheses are available regarding 'goal/ purpose of human life', one of which is to seek the formless god as well as gods with different physical forms...and merge the 'self' in the 'supreme self', human being understood as a model of the unseen one, a point source of infinite energy. Therefore, to understand the 'self' Yogis have realised man as a model defined by eight 'chakras', each one related with one particular member of our heirarchical solar system, and also acting as a controller of some particular direction out of the eight cardnal direction in which 4 directions (NEWS) reflect the formless, whereas the rest 4 the God with form (SHIVA)...

A beautiful post, Kavitha.You have put in words, things which are not easy to describe.It is very true that as the inner world reveals itself, the outer world begins to appear more and more unreal.Sri Aurobindo has talked about 'the profound truths of Hinduism.'These truths are realised only when one enters the inner world.

A 'pyramid' (meaning 'fire within') is a massive masonary structure which has a square base with four triangular tapering faces that meet at a point that virtually touches one of the elements, the 'sky'. These structures, existing in Egypt, in the 'west' of 'India', for thousands of years, are perhaps the best examples of the longest living 'man-made' structures in the 'present.

It has been observed that these were constructed to certain proportions and are oriented such that the triangular surfaces face the 4 cardinal directions, NEWS. And, its name itself conveys how it was known to the ancient Egyptians that some energy, like the said 'atma' reported within all life forms, also got generated within the structure...and it is also known that in 'India', 'Hindus' (followers of 'sanatan dharm') have been providing 'vimanas' over the temples since time immemorial, which means 'aeroplanes', and thus conveying these as tools for energising the weak soul or 'atma' that exists within, but at a much lower level, or potency, say thanks to time being Kaliyuga...

In so far as material development and its sustenance is concerned, observation of the annual SW monsoon over 'India', together with existence of the Himalayas in the North, that acts as a barrier for the water laden clouds need no mention...for 'India' is known as a 'golden bird' to the ancients and has thus attracted 'foreigners', as rulers in the 'past' and now as tourists (part of samudra manthan)...

The Sri Yantra perhaps could also be visualised to have incorporated all geometrical shapes, and thus a little bit like a model of the pyramid and therefore perhaps capable of generating a model of the supreme soul that can be used within residences for the purpose of 'samadhi' or zero thought...to tune with 'Nadbindu'...

Bart: Supreme energy is believed to rest dormant, like a coiled serpent, at the 'mooladhar chakra', which is indicated at the location of the tail-bone end that also houses the 'essence' of planet Mars (Ganesha indicated as the link between man and God)...while the essence of Moon is believed at the 'sahasrara chakra' located in the head...Essences of Asteroids, Jupiter, Sun, Mercury, Venus and Earth the other six 'planets', or 'grahas', are thus indicated between these two locations in human body...

Kavitha has given the procedure, perhaps as it is passed on through generations and, therefore, maybe without explaining that Sri stands both for Ganesha the believable number one and Laxmi the Goddess of Wealth.

Sri Chakra therefore is in a way an external tool to get connected with the dormant energy at mooladhar through it...(Foolish bird, who can see clearly during night only), Owl is indicated as Laxmi's vehicle whereas Ganesha's vehicle is a slow moving small animal who normally remains underground, although both might function on the datum that is the surface of earth...

The said beliefs can halp relate with planets, Venus (Kartikeya the favourite son of Shiva-Parvati) also is believed responsible for material whereas Ganesha (favourite of Parvati) with Mars is relatively a slower planet: Venus being the inner planet (associted with throat, as Shukracharya the Guru of demons or rakshashas who normally have inclination to horde metal Gold) is a faster one while Mars, being an outer planet with reference to earth, is relatively slower but it encircles earth-moon (Shiva-Parvati) too while revolving around Sun. In the Hindu mythological stories, it has thus been given relatively more importance (therefore number one at mooladhar) and is said to have blessings of both goddesses responsible for day (light) and (darkness as it remains dark underground) night (say relating to the sun the ruler during days and the moon the ruler during nights)...

Although, as per ancient 'Hindus', time is supposed to be moving in repetetive cycles, over 1000 times during one day in the life of Brahma the Creator with form, from Satyuga to Kaliyuga, maybe one needs to also be aware that ancient 'Hindus' were not only highly advanced astronomers, they were all rounders too, and therefore past masters in the art of communication with all and sundry through interesting stories, which appear as pure fiction, which in a way is true, as indicated by the use of 'maya created by the unseen supreme formless being', and could also be realised thanks to its reflection experienced in the projections of 'man-made' recorded films on screen that appear 'real' anytime one projects it on the screen...

'We' know that energy flows thanks to the 'naturally' existing nervous systems: the Central system of nerves in the spinal column, and sympathic nervous systems on the left and right of it - like three rivers ('nadis')that carry (different quality) waters in different streams.,,

These together provide an intricate network of nerves providing connections to all parts of the body which helps in conveyance of message to the brain from any concerned part - say letting one know which part of the network is experiencing problem at any given point in time, which is reflected through say pain being experienced by the concerned individual at some particular location in the body...

Ancient 'Hindus' related the nervous system to the planet Saturn ('Suryaputra' that is "son of Sun") that helped energy to flow to the brain, or be obstructed from reaching the brain in the head. It was conveyed that, like water flowing in rivers, energy flows from 'mooladhar' to 'sahasrara' or back to mooladhar, in the process carying energy from/ to intermediate energy centres also (like a man-made transportation system, say trains, carry passengers from one terminus to another while providing similar facillities to passengers located at intermediate stations also)...It thus also can be visualised that it is indicated that in the beginning of the 'churning' the point source of energy was at a lower level, represented by mooladhar the 'basic seat'. It however was made to reach the sahasrara, corresponding to Satya yuga in terms of time and space...however the Yugas are indicated to have only four stages, whhich might indicated the significance of Yoga of physical form and energy similarly convey one linked to the other out of the 8 numbers to represent the concerned four numbers Yuga, which indicate Mars realised to be linked functionally with Asteroids in Kaliyuga (Ganesha and His vehicle, a mouse; or Vishnu the Nadbindu resting on Ananta, say representing the infinite universe). And, similarly Jupiter-Sun (Krishna-Arjuna) in Dwaper yuga; Mercury-Venus (Rama-Ravana) in Treta yuga; Earth-Moon (Shiva-Parvati) in Satya yuga, ie., total energy lifted to the head (Ajna chakra-sahasra chakra combine)...

The basic idea is that because the 'present' reflects Kaliyua, the Yogi needs to mechanically raise the total energy to head, say through use of Sri Yantra, to experience the 'Truth' or 'Satya'...ie., attain 'moksha' or liberation from the birth-death cycle...

The other way would be to take recourse to gemstones as another alternative. For this one would need to find out the gemstones that would be required for the concerned. Ancient Hindus utilised the horoscope made based on the time of birth and the configuaration of 'planets' or 'graha' (that includes Sun also) in the sky at that time...and based on the basic or control planet determine the order of governing planets and time of their interactions during the expected life-span of teh individual...and provide gemstones for the weak planets to cover the three aspects or axes that basically define an individual: physical, mental and spiritual (Body, mind and soul)...

The ancient Yogis have also indicated about the presence of innumerable paths to attain the goal: of reaching the 'Absolute Truth', ie., the journey of the formless immortal being from zero to infinity in its mind as it reviews it time and again...and one can observe that even two- dimensional Sri Yantras, that utillise geometrical figures containing some particular numerals (that although apparently were discovered originally in 'India', but in the 'present' being popular as 'Arabic Numerals'), have been in vogue since time immemorial...However, it is also known that 'Numerologists'/ 'Yogis', or ancient scientists, have also in a way realised energy being reflected by alphabets and numerals, ie., their different shapes, for the human brain is an analogous computer) and have obviously known how just a single letter/ word etc. can at times take one's mind away from the 'present' to the 'past' or 'future'...However, it is also known that Yogis used to withdraw to isolated locations for 'meditation', such as the Himalayan caves, so that they could attain the purpose of reaching the formless, who is related with zero time and space, and attempt reaching zero thoughts, ie., 'samadhi' became easier. However, the ideal condition realised was 'mental detachment while remaining physically attached', that is remaining a spectator of the outside world/ universe...as indicated by Bart, Sri Yantra is and instrument used in 'Raja Yoga' ie., action performed with the purpose of attaining some material gain in mind...as an intermediate step for reaching the ultimate goal (Absolute Truth or zero, and hence detachment advised)...

Maybe some visitors, being trained in one particular subject only in details, say History, might find subjects that are related with 'science' difficult to comprehend the basic concept of 'models' that help visualise the prototype...However, as students of (Civil) Engineering, 'we' were taught to 'start from the whole to the parts, and not from the parts to the whole', say when survey of some plot is being attempeted. For, the likely errors that are sure to creep in in measurement of each small part itself might eventually result in big overall errors and the outcome wouldn't be a true graphical representation of say the actual piece of land on the ground...

In view of the above, when the fundamentals aren't clear, one mightn't be aware of the spirit behind certain ritualistic practices carried through time immemorial...and therefore might not receive the desired benefit...just as 'we' do know that the human brain is a super computer, but aren't able to utillise it to its full potential, due to 'lack of overall knowledge'...

With the 'present day' background, 'we' know when, for some important job, someone wants to travel from, say, Delhi to Chennai, or vice versa, he/ she has two options of modes of travel from economic consideration - by air, within shortest possible time, the very same day perhaps; or by rail, which might take relatively more time, but could perhaps be called the next best alternative...

However, if time is no consideration, one could also travel by road, say in an automobile/ bike, halting for sleep/ food at intermediate stations...

And, perhaps in view of the distance being too long, one might not consider walking all the way in this case although it would have been the most economic mode, or/ rather the ideal one had the distance not been prohibitive...

However, the most ideal mode perhaps could be if one could disappear at New Delhi and reappear physically at Chennai - in no time, like what the most evolved humans, highly elevated Yogis, believably could do in the 'past'!

'Yoga', or Yogic exercises (believably catering to improvement of the physical, mental and spiritual axes around which the human form is believed to have been developed), today also has once again become popular not only in 'India' but in many other parts of the world also, particularly because these have been found to improve human health/ increase functional efficiency, such as improved concentration at work...and, in the 'present' (Kaliyuga the apparently beginning stage), 'our' goal is limited apparently bacause of lack of overall knowledge. For example, let us say that 'I' teleport 'myself' from Chennai to New Delhi when it was peak winter, 'I' might freeze here, unless 'I' virtually become 'my soul' that believably cannot be destroyed, and then 'I' could go anywhere in the infinite 'universe'! Isn't it just what one believes about (formless) God the omnipresent who resides within 'me' itself also!

Philosophically speaking, what is the need then of the external tools in order to reach Him? Wherever one might be, one could remain contended with the belief that He resides within everyone wherever one might appear to be located at any given time serving some useful purpose for Him in different appearing forms?!

With the background knowledge that Hindus believably realised man as model of the universe, which we know today to be infinite in size and holds a grand variety of innumerable galaxies ('Chakras' or literally 'wheels' as a galaxy believably appears in space)...Also, 'grahas', crudely are translated as 'planets', ie., 'navgraha' or nine numbers of selected members of our solar system, are indicated to represent the essence of the universe and are indicated in human forms through nine 'chakras' whose centres are indicated concentrated at eight points along the spine, that exchange energy in the solar system, and has the ninth point attached to the lower-most (first) point, called 'mooladhar', the information/ energy stored in it is believed to remain dormant ie., related with the detached formless being that needs 'activation'...The eight 'chakras' are indicated to represent essences of eight 'grahas', or 8 selected members of our solar system, from Sun to Jupiter, each one of which believably holds in a hierarchical manner a component of energy/ information related to the universe as a single entity, or 'Nadbindu'...and, therefore, a Yogi, for 'enlightenment', is expected to make total information/ energy available at the level of the head, in brain ('sahasrara'), by lifting total energy/ information stored in the 9 (nine) points including the dormant one that holds most of the information when the end of 'Kaliyuga' is being reviewed by Bhootnath Shiva the immortal and most evolved being...

With the basic thought of various models existing in 'Nature', as 'I' said earlier elsewhere also, in terms of cardinal directions physical 'India' can be defined by Vishnu (the sides of the square base in directions NEWS) and Mahesha (lying at the corner points in other four directions), whereas the four tapering faces of the pyramid represent the said (four-faced) Brahma, of the Trimuthy Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesha) of Hindu mythology...the apex or hezd of the pyramid of the pyramid, also a lone point, thus, symbolically represents Nadbindu Vishnu (the centre of earth/ universe), but at the elevated level of the 'sky', ie., one of the five (5) basic elements, which represents the model of the infinite space of the universe...Therefore, a pyramid, named thus because of the energy that gets generated within it and concentrated at its centre of gravity at one-third its height, could help visualise similarly the 'soul' within human form at 'mooladhar', which the Yogis in Himalayan caves attempted to lift to the head (through mantra also) - to reach the 'image' of the centre of earth/ universe...helped by concentrating vision with closed eyes (to cut one off from outer world) at the Ajna chakra level, which is believably located at the 'third eye' level...whereas, for the house-holders, external tools, such as Sri Yantra/ gemstones were advised...

'I' have also earlier elsewhere cited in details how my daughter, without any apparent training in this regard, had virtually received message from some unseen force and had predicted, on 8th December '81, cancellation of 'my' flight from Guwahati to Manipur at almost the same time when it was scheduled to take off from New Delhi ('Indraprastha' to the ancient 'Hindus')...and only later 'I' realised the day happened to be the third death anniversary of 'my' mother! Since then 'I' started pondering over the subject of 'spirituality' vis-a-vis Yogic beliefs. And, without any training 'I' too sometimes experimented with colours and attempted concentrating at the third eye region, during spare times...and one day, around two years later, 'I' believe 'I' too heard the voice of the unknown, although the incident was related to a petty day-to-day matter'!

And not only in Guwahati, 'I' believe that once again in Delhi, a year or so later, 'I' once again heard the voice of an unknown lady while travelling in a jam-packed city bus!

Human life is thus full of innumerable mysteries that are difficult to explain with any sound logic. Appearance of dreams, even in inferior animals, and what purpose they serve is unknown and is taken for granted by all and sundry!

With the background knowledge that cinema came into vogue in recent times, thanks to 'rapid progress in IT' only over the last few centuries in the 'west', everyone ignores appearance of dreams in sleep since time immemorial all over the world - even in 'inferior animals', and also that all animals have 'body-clocks' (provided 'naturally')!

When man creates some instrument, he has some purpose(s) in mind. What could therefore be the purpose of the 'Nature'/ (formless) Creator in the mysterious appearing limitless creations? And, perhaps it, or He/ She, hasn't yet reached the Ultimate, perhaps its own origin, for the drama continues indefinitely!

With the stated unknown purpose of Creator, through day-to-day life 'we' perhaps learn about the big chasm between 'IT' and 'us', the innumerable souls, which must first be reduced, i.e., sooul(s)reach its level, (maybe with mantra/ tantra/ yantra), before any soul(s) could be of some assistance to it in seeking its own origin, or whatever it seeks...

As 'I' said earlier elsewhere also, the Hindu mythological stories/ belief, indicate how 'mooladhar chakra', which houses the essence of planet Mars (represented by Orange colour that is formed with the combination of Yellow and Red colours thus indicated representing Gauri and Kali respectively), has played an important role in the evolutionary process through different Yugas, as reflected by different stories and characters in human form, viz. one of the five Pandava brothers (with the known background that five elements were realised necessary in the structure of any physical form),in Dwaper Yuga, Bhima, eventually becoming instrumental in killing, with a mace, of Duryodhana, symbolically representing planet Venus or Shukra, essence housed in human throat. Similarly, in Treta Yuga, it was trouble shooter Hanuman and a mace holder who assisted Rama in killing of Rakshasha Raja Ravana. While in Satya Yuga, trouble shooter Ganesha the mace holder and link between man and God (Zero/ sound energy OM), who alone had the blessings of both Ma Kali and Gauri, or Black & White, that contains different colours in visible spectrum etc, could overcome Shiva the Destroyer, and was therefore made the ruler of earth when Shiva-Parvati (Earth-Moon, essences at Ajna-sahasrara chakras) retired...and detachedly reviewed their journey from zero to infinity...

It's well known that among gods, in Hindu mythology, all members of Shiva-Parvati's family (that includes their two sons Kartikeya and Ganesha) are worshipped since time immemorial. The Yogis have realised the role of Kartikeya associated with the element 'sky' (blue in colour) as indicated through Peacock as his vehicle, and he is also related with the inner planet Venus that, therefore, although close to earth doesn't go around earth-moon, or Shiva-Parvati, as indicated by the stories where Shiva is indicated as the androgynous god, Ardhanarishwar, in the beginning, and later marrying Parvati, who in reality was another form of His original wife, Sati, or Shakti (energy represented also by Kali or black that resides in Shiva's heart)...

Also, the ancients have indicated the human body to consist of two vessels, the governor vessel (head) and the conception vessel (lower body) and the Yogis have indicated within it, (besides four other memners of the solar system), essence of outer-planet Mars at the mooladhar and that of inner-planet Venus (Shukra) at the throat, which is virtually symbolic of the bottle-neck! While that of earth-moon is indicated housed within the governor vessel (Ajna-sahasrara chakras)!

And, the physical form of man is indicated as the model of the universe, that is, the enlarged form of 'Nadbindu', or the point source of infinite sound energy - contained in eight points that are distributed along the spine from mooladhar to sahasrara (and it is also indicated as an 'image of God' in Christianity, thus conveying the concept of 'maya' that is illusion)...

'We' also know today that our universe is like an ever expanding balloon that contains innumerable galaxies, out of which our galaxy is called 'Milky Way Galaxy', and that our solar system is located in the outer periphery of the galaxy, just as the cream in a centrifuge also moves outward towards the periphery. Whereas ancient Hindus called the revolving disc-like galaxy as 'kshirsagar', or 'Milky Ocean' that is being churned by Krishna (literally Black) the representative of four-handed Vishnu the Nadbindu!

In view of the above, the Yogis have apparently indicated necessity to lift total energy in all eight points to one point in the head - for reliasation of Nadbndu the 'Absolute Truth'...

In essence, Navgraha, ie, 'Nine planets', 'Asht-bhuja dhari', ie, eight-handed Durga, or Krishna as the eighth and lucky child of Devki, and of course 'asht-chakra' or eight wheels/ galaxies, and so on, convey involvement of essence of nine members of our solar system/ galaxies in the structure of the human forms, out of which 8 numbers are located from the tail-bone end to the brain, and represent 8 numbers galaxies, only six out of which generally are more activated (that have essences of members from Mars to Venus), while the essence of planet Saturn, representing the formless (Vishnu, or zero and therefore approachable through zero or minimum thoughts), generally remains dormant (as it is indicated through the presence of a coiled celestial serpent) and is attached to the mooladhar chakra...

And, in the present also, 'we' have learnt that there takes place exchange of energy between galaxies, through pure heat or infrared rays and there exist more powerful galaxies than ours, just as we have come to know that our Sun is only an average star compared to many other stars...Hence perhaps elevated soul, Buddha's, advice regarding following of the 'middle path' by other souls...that is, humbleness in behaviour...

Although 'I' have written it earlier also, maybe 'I' should add further that the location of the essence of planet Venus, 'Shukra', where the Guru of 'rakshasas' (ie, related with defence), crudely translated as 'demons' in conformity with 'Satan' expressed in the Bible, is called Shukracharya and it is believably housed in the throat, and the 'chakra' however is called 'Vishuddhi chakra', ie, it is indicated related with 'purification' (of the soul). It is thus conveyed that energy/ information passed on by it can reach the 'sahasrara chakra', or brain the overall decision maker (associated with Moon or Parvati the consort of Shiva), only if it is finally cleared by 'Ajna' or 'permission' Chakra (associated with Earth or Shiva the immortal)...and also that Venus is indicated as a friend of Saturn (the non acting captain), related with nerves in the human body and associated also with colour blue, like Venus...and Saturn thus is indicated to provide connection between Mars and Moon, including the intervening planets also, out of which energy/ life-giving Sun's essence is indicated at the 'solar plexus' or 'manipuraka chakra'...and the two each Gurus, in Mahabharat and Ramayana, help in realising that it is also linked with Jupiter with its essence, infra-red rays, located at the navel level while ultraviolet rays as essence of Mercury (as 'I' see it) at the chest level, and thus having Blue colour, as essence of Venus, close to it in the chest. And, similarly Red (associated with Black or Kali) as the essence of Asteroids housed below the navel, which in Acupuncture is called 'Rejuvenation point'...

'I' have indicated the above as my loud thoughts, ie, as 'I' have realised the order of planets/ colours, reading between lines the different stories, in order to look afresh at the art of 'gem therapy'...and use combinations of gems on photographs of individuals with known particulars with a view to improving their efficiency...and also to confirm the concept of 'maya' or illusion that conveys the creator as related with zero time and space, whereas other souls, nbeing inferior, are related with apparent time created with the help of the Solar system that doesn't permit one to reach the 'Absolute Truth'...because it is also conveyed that if one learns, the knowledge should be passed on for the benefit of others, selflessly...

Now, some mythological facts, as 'food for thought' for those who follow 'Hindu Mythology': Shiva the androgynous god, or Ardhanarishwar, had His original abode at Kashi on the banks of River Ganga, in the present day Varanasi and as 'we' know located at 82.5 degree east longitude. That is, 82.5 degrees is indicated as the zero for 'India that originally was Jambudweep', or the entire globe at the beginning, with the background knowledge that our universe is ever expanding along with its contents also similarly expanding, like a balloon, having started from a point as per Hindu belief.

And it is also indicated that at a certain stage, before the emergence of Himalatyas from underneath the sea-bed in the North, the Vindhyas were the highest mountain range in Jambudweep. And, Narmada River, which has its origin at Amarkantak, that is located close to the same '0' longitude, was formed from 'Shiva's sweat'!

And, Krishna, believably the 8th avatara of Vishnu was born at Mathura on the banks of River Yamuna that, like Ganga and Brahmaputra, also originates from Kailash-Mansarovar, which also has the same longitude passing through it!

And, Krishna (who claims to reside within all humans!) believably studied at Sage Sandipani's Ashram in the Narmada Valley. And, Mahakal's Temple, associated with Bhootnath Shiva as the Controller of Time, also is located at Ujjain on River Shipra, a tributary of Narmada River, in that region itself!

As there are no reactions, 'I' don't come to know if one sees what 'I' see!!!

It is not a coincidence that the central and the two sympathetic nervous systems in the human bodies, like rivers ('Nadis'), are also called 'Nadis', although pronounced differently in order to differentiate them from rivers.

The human body was realised as a working model of earth (Shiva) itself. It can also be realised from the fact that nervous systems carry energy/ information between different vital organs in the body, from and to the brain and, similarly, the three holy rivers in 'India' carry water between Mansarovar Lake and the Seas in the SE region, to return back afresh, as annual monsoon clouds, from the SW coastal region acting as the right hand of Shiva, who could be imagined reclining in the NW (common head of Vishnu who reclines in WE direction)-SE direction (Shiva's feet washed by the seas in the coastal region...whereas Vishnu's/ Devi's feet extend eastward such that the Mooladhar can be visualised located in the NE, (left hand of 'Shiva' that, in models, ie, man, is indicated by Palmists to show the effects of other influences of other 'grahas'), where Kamakhya Temple is located since time immemorial as a powerful energy centre or the 'Shakti Peeth' that can help elevate one's soul, and similarly the function of the Sri Chakra can also be visualised at any location of earth, and therefore 'I' would believe NE corner should be the best location of the Sri Chakra, and puja performed either facing North or East, as has been the practice adopted since long...'I' had written elsewhere earlier also how 'I' observed from Navgrah Temple at Gauhati (now Guwahati) that Kamakhya Temple was located at the NE of it on another hillock on the same bank of Brahmaputra River...

'Panchtatva', or five elements responsible for all physical forms, could also be visualised with the help of the HIndu mythlogial stories, related with immortal Shiva's family - correlated with heavenly bodies, or planets Earth (Ajna Chakra), Moon (Sahasrara Chakra), Mars (Mooladhar Chakra), Venus (Vishuddhi Chakra) and planet Saturn, representing formless Nadbindu/ Vishnu rpresented through the nervous systems. While supporting role played by four-faced Brahma, represented by Asteroids, Jupiter (Swadhishtan Chakra), Sun (Manipuraka Chaka) and Mercury (Anahat Chakra)...Thus accounting for the three aspects of the three-in-one God, Treyambakeshwar...'I' am glad that when 'I' was in Mumbai last summer, 'I' also had the opportunity to visit the temple dedicated to Treyambakeshwar at Nashik (meaning 'nose') that is considered very important in the Yogic exercises...[In the Gita, Krishna advises Arjuna to listen to Him while looking at the tip of his nose (perhaps with eyes closed), and in isolation, Yogis atttempt to concentrate at the 'third-eye' level between the eye brows, at the junction where the nose meets the forehead)...And, even otherwise, Hindus use the expression "Cutting of the nose" when someone is insulted (and, in Ramayana, Lakshmana is indicated to have cut the nose of Ravana's sister, Soorpanakaha, that is reported as the main cause of Ravana losing his head and kidnapping Sita - perhaps indicating location of moon's essence in the head, the saharara chakra, reponsible for madness in humans!)...

Also, perhaps it needs mention that, in the Gita, Krishna reportedly tells Arjuna that he is only an instrument, a medium for carrying out actions as per Krishna's, or/ rather his supreme form's, Vishnu's will, for He is the real doer, just as 'I' use the PC for keying the comments in the blog according to the thoughts that arise into 'my head' - apparently after 'I' have considered and analysed all the data available to 'me' according to 'my capability', which 'I' apparently also know is limited...although 'I' might get a feeling that 'I' am the 'all knowing'!

Regarding human body as an instrument as stated above, in the 'past', Acupuncturists, after in-depth analysis, have indicated 'windows' in the human skin that apparently open into different channels that apparently connect the 12 vital organs in the human bodies (same for male or female, just as a horoscope contains 12 houses and indicate the position of different 'grahas' at the time of birth of the individual), which when blocked at any of the different locations result in some illness/ malfunctioning due to blockage of requisite necessarily required cosmic energy from the atmosphere...As 'we' know it, the practice is continued, in certain regions to this day even, coexisting with many other systems of treatment, including 'mantra', 'tantra', and 'yantra', conforming to the variety apparent in 'Nature' in all its aspects...

As 'I' had indicated earlier elsewhere also, it was under mysterious circumstances that 'I' happened to purchase a book on Acupuncture, or/ rather 'Acupressure', although 'I' had just gone to buy a greeting card! It is in English, by an American doctor, Dr. JV Cerney, who used the acupuncture points - forwarded down since time immemorial in the Orient - to be energised with the use of the tip of the middle-finger (representing Venus), or thumb (representing Mars), or the whole palm itself (representing our galaxy/ solar system) in case of, say, delicate organs as the belly region, in cases of patients suffering from different illnesses. These helped 'me' to get more information/ knowledge about Palmistry, than what 'I' had learnt from Cheiro's book, and also experience gained watching various palms in the intervening period...and also reading material about gem-therapy and known correlation between different 'grahas' and corresponding gemstones...

Reverting to Puja of the Sri Yantra, 'I' might add, regarding directions North & East recommended for puja, that 'ancient Hindus' have apparently done in-depth studies and had thus reached the 'Absolute Truth' of existence of the immortal formless Vishnu the Nadbindu. And, IT is indicated to recline in WE direction, and is responsible for the creation/ birth of Brahma/ Aditi or Aditya which is reflected by our Sun (an average star responsible for 'material' life) rising in the East and sunset in the west, and reappearance in the east the nest morning (an indication of the belief regarding apparent repetitive nature of 'birth-death-rebirth' cycle)...and hence the advice regarding facing east direction while performing the puja during day time...However, in the night, one also knows that the heavenly body that remains stithapragya or unmoved at all times (as advised to Yogis, to remain unmoved under all circumstances), the Polar Star (Dhruvtara) is a unique one, like Nadbindu, that helps guide ships lost in the seas. And, man is similarly believed to be a 'lost soul' and hence needing a Guru/ Guide for showing the right direction, ie, North where the star is located and can be generally identified easily from any point in the northern hemisphere in the dark night sky...And North Pole is also indicated as the head of the globe, and South Pole as its seat or mooladhar that is duly supported by tortoise shaped Antarctica...And, Shiva (most evolved heavenly body) is indicated to go into 'samadhi' or retirement for long durations...and thus not easily accessible to the devotees...Shiva's right hand (SW ruled by Kartikeya) is believed responsible for actions related with 'material', while His left hand (NE ruled by Ganesha) is believed responsible for actions related with the 'spiritual'...

Although Yogis indicated man as a model of the universe - formed with the help of the essences of selected members of our solar system - some typical ones reflecting well known characteristic property of a certain member irrespective of the time under consideration, 'I' have also tried to observe if one could read the 'truth' even in small appearing happenings or usages that one takes for granted and, therefore, doesn't take those seriously. With refernce to what 'I' have stated above regarding the two hands of Shiva indicated in the Hindu mythology, it came to 'my' notice how a 'Hindu' generally lifts - since time immemorial - the water pot with one's right hand and utillises the left hand for cleaning the region related with 'mooladhar', virtually repeatedly early every morning!

And, in games, say skipping of ropes, mainly by girls, 'I' could observe how the revolving rope, around the skipper, helps generate an illusory globe, an image of earth where actions are required to be performed as per certain rules, from birth to death. And, similarly, a skipper is required to enter it carefully, and enjoy jumping. But, one is out if one doesn't jump at the right time and the rope (that represents the periphery/ surface of earth) gets entangled with the feet!...

And. already 'I' have earlier elsewhere indicated how the popular game of cricket, in the 'present times', could be visualised as a working model of our galaxy/ earth...

In view of what 'I' have brought out in the above said comments, the 'Hindu belief' indicates Brahma related more with the 'sky', wheras Earth surface and its centre are related with Shiva and Vishnu the Nadbindu respectively...Thus all temporary 'images' are indicated under the control of the 9 selected members of our solar system, except earth & moon that are related with Shiva-Parvati (or, in fact, the complete being as in the beginning, Ardhanarishwar Shiva)...However, the 9th planet, Saturn (essence in terms of colour believably blue, ie, similar to Venus) the most evolved cut-off planet (suryaputra the son of Sun), is indicated to perform as link between the 'conception vessel' that believably contains the essences of six (6) planets Mars to Venus (essences in terms of colours Orange and Blue respectively), and the 'governor vessel' that believably contains the essences of the unique set of Earth & Moon (Green and Yellow in terms of colours in which green is observed at the centre of the visible spectrum whereas yellow lies eccentrically to it, and is also believed to lend eccentricity to humans, as models of Shiva the immortal!)...Thus Yogis apparently indicated lifting of

Sorry! The last sentence should have read "Thus Yogis apparently indicated lifting of the contents of the conception vessel up to the governor vessel with the assistance of Saturn (model of Vishnu the sudershan-chakra dhari, or the holder of all galaxies that are contained within the infinite void of the universe, the only vessel apparently existing in 'Nature')...

'I' might also add that Yosee has also thankfully indicated in her latest blog about Swamimalai, "One of the Six Holy Forts ( Padai Veedu in Tamil) of Lord Murugan, Swamimalai is a small town buzzing around an ancient temple dedicated to the Divine Child known here as His Father's Preceptor ( Swami-nathan or Thagappan-swami)"...which also could help in visualising what 'I' have said about the contents of the conception vessel, with essence of Mars at mooladhar (linked to essence of Saturn, normally dormant) and essence of Venus at the throat level, or Vishuddhi chakra that are mainly responsible for the human life drama that keeps the common man guessing selfishly as to what life has in store for him, and normally doesn't find time for 'higher thinking' (as against the belief/ advice regarding 'simple living and high thinking' of 'ancient, though wiser, Hindus')...

Another 'scientific' feature of worship in 'India', in the north where the evolved forms of the Himalayas, the said abode of Durga/ Parvati (model of Moon that is located in the forehead of Shiva, or Earth), is demonstrated with the attachment of Ganesha with his mothers, Gauri and Kali, ie, Parvati/ Sati. Which in essence conveys the attachment of Yellow & Red colours with Orange colour sandwiched in between, as seen in 'YOR' of the visible part of the spectrum, VIBGYOR, when white sunlight gets refracted. And BGY, Green sandwiched between Yellow and cold colour Blue (related with Kartikeya who is the favourite of Shiva)...And in south worship of Kartikeya, associated with planet Venus (colour black), the friend of Saturn (essence blue, the colour of the 'black sky' during the day in the presence of Sun), for 'material' is preferred and is associated with Black colour represented by diamond worn mostly by females...for black was supposed to be formed when the primary colours Yellow, Blue, and Red (also Blue related with Saturn and Orange, ie, Red plus Yellow related with Mars) are mixed!

The story of Ganesha's head being chopped off by Saturn and replaced by Shiva with an elephant's head (the animal that is known to have an excellent memory, while an average man is considered 'Apsmara Purush', ie, 'forgetful man'), and also Vishnu, in Mohini or attractive form, cutting the head of Rahu the demon (rakshasha), who had taken a sip of 'amrit' deceitfully, such that his head and the lower body (as Ketu) exist independently, in fact, conveys the existence of powerful rays, Ultraviolet and Infrared, both associated with our Sun, replacing the too cold Violet and Indigo colours (symbols of freezing to 'death' of bodies) for energising the animal forms...

Hi Kavita,I am sorry for the delay in writing this mail to you.I was hospitalized due to DVT (Deep Venous Thrombosis) in my left leg. It’s a clot in the vein from calf muscle to upper thigh. I was in the ICU for a week and later under observation for 20+ days. Due to the medication the clot is dissolving and I am feeling better. The doctors say the progress is very good and I should 100% okay very soon.I am almost on the same lines of puja as advised by you. I stay in a 1 bhk in Pune, there is no separate puja room. From the time I have the Sri Yantra with me I have placed it horizontally in a silver plate. Around this plate are the idols of other gods. All these are in a specific corner of the house. On daily basis I offer turmeric, kumkum, incense, ghee lamp and milk(for naivaidyam) I do the abhishekam on every friday. I have to organize a wooden box for the Sri Yantra. I also do gayatri jap everyday. After my thread ceremony I have skipped gayatri jap only when I am unwell and haven’t had a bath. Firstly, I want the Sri Yantra to be worshipped perfectly. As far as the first level of orthodoxy is concerned I can fulfill it. I definitely want to fulfill all the levels of orthodoxy of Sri Yantra puja. For your comments, can I send you a picture of the Sri Yantra that I worship at home?I have spoken to a good number of people in order to learn the right method of Sri Yantra puja. Every one has been awestruck to learn that I have a Sri Yantra in silver but none have been able to give me a satisfactory method of puja.My humble request to you is to let me know the best and correct way of Sri Yantra puja. Any and all the levels of Orthodoxy - I am ready to follow. I am ready to make all the changes in my lifestyle for this.Look forward to hear from you.Thanks and regards.Naresh Hampiholinaresh.hampiholi@gmail.com